Means for securing in position the frame-work of vessels



(No Model.)

-T. M. REES. MEANS-FOR SECURING IN POSITION THE FRAME WORK OF VESSELS.

Patented Nov. 15, 1887.

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- Ixwenimc' \Nilue 9s 6' s UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

THOMAS M. REES, OF.ALLEGHENY, PENNSYLVANIA.

MEANS FOR SECURING IN POSITION THE FRAME-WORK f VESSELS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 373,095, dated November 15, 1887.

Application filed July 20, 1886. Serial'No. 208,573.

. Vessels; and I do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exactdescriptionv thereof.

My invention relates to that class of improvements which has for its object the securing together the timbers forming the frames used in the construction of hulls.

The object of my invention is to secure the connection between the floor and top timbers of the frames proper at the knuckle in a manner that will prevent the giving way of said framework of the hulls. I attain this object in the following-described manner, refereuce being had to the accompanying drawings, in which similar letters refer to similar parts throughout.

Figure 1 is across'section of a steamboat at the knuckle, showing a section of the frame, outside plank, inside strakes, a section of the beam, and a portion of deck. Fig. 2 is a view of the same, except that the opposite side is represented showing the futtock in place. Fig.

3 is a vertical section through line T T of Fig. 1. Fig. 4 represents the manner ofgiving way of the miter-joint. Fig. 5 is a View of the reverse side of the frame, showing the result of the rupture on the futtock, which either splits or pulls from its fastenings.

1n the drawings, A is the floor-timber; B, top timber; G, bottom plank; D, knucklestrake; E, saddle-strake; F F, side plank; G G, whale; H, bilgekeelson; I, side strake; K K, clamp; L, beam; N, outrigger; M, deck; P, futtock; R, miter-joint; S, pin orkey, made of hard wood or metal; W WV W W, pins or bolts.

To apply my improvement, in securing the miter-joint R, Fig. 1, where the floor and top timberjoin I secure the floor and top timber together with pins, bolts, or spikes, in the usual manner, through the futtock, as shown at WWV W W in Fig. 2, being careful that the (No model.)

pin or key, of hard wood or metal, is driven, of a size corresponding to the dimensions of the frame. For a small frame three-fourths of an inch and for the largest frames one and one-half inch pin or key will be about the proper proportion. This pin or key is shown at S, Fig. l, and on the opposite side of the frame at S, Fig. 2.

The utility of my improvement will be seen by reference to Fig. 4, where the result of the frame of the hull in the old method is shown.

In boats constructed in the manner shown the weights of the cabin, boilers, machinery, and a portion of the freight are in a measure concentrated on the top timbers, and in consequence the top timbers slide down the inclined miter-joint B, Fig. 4, and force the knuckle-strake D from its place, breaking the water-tight connections between it and the adjacent strakes, as shown at Vin Fig. 4. A rupture of this characterin aboats knuckle is absolutely beyond repair.

I am aware that prior to my invention methods have been employed to remedy this defect in framing the knuckles of boats; but in the use of these methods great additional cost has been incurred, and the strength of the parts employed in constructing the knuckle have been so weakened that former methods have been abandoned. I therefore do not claim, broadly, a means for securing together the frame-work of hullsof vessels; but

What I do claim is In the hull of a ship, the combination of the fl0or-tin1ber A and the top timber, B, having their'meetiug ends mitered together, the bottom plank, C, the knuckle-strake D, and the saddle-strake E, all secured upon the said floor and top timbers, the futtock P, extending across the said miter-joint, the bolts WV, securing the futtock to the said floor and top timbers, and the pin S, inserted through the miter-joint and through the solid material of the futtock, substantially as shown and described, and for the purpose set forth.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 17th day of July, A. D. 1886.

THOMAS M. REES.

Witnesses: 7

A. O. JOHNSTON, J. J. ARNOLD. 

